Thanks Steve. I'm only learning now about "real" tools as I studied electrons and radio waves. Not doing me any good now. I've seen the stuff about relief being needed before. Is the function to allow the removal of chips or is there some other reason? I'll probably buy a couple of the machinist books recommended on the forum. Found them on Amazon and they look good. Think I'll start with this: http://www.amazon.com/dp/0831130792/ref ... YYB38CNK3X. I'm not even sure of the proper techniques for sharpening the cutting edges.
Sure wish I could take some machine shop classes but they simply aren't available for the average person. I even checked our local high schools and they no longer have shop classes! Thought I could contact the teacher ... That's pretty sad.